By Thilak December 10, 2007

Windows Produces 50% more e-waste than Linux

e-waste I had no idea that using open source, Linux-based computers over Windows-based computers could slash e-waste levels by over 50 percent. According to a study by UK government in late 2004, Windows users have to change their hardware twice as many times as Linux users, in so doing they produce 50 percent more computer related e-waste than Linux users.

On an average hardware refresh period for Microsoft Windows is around 3 to 4 years, whereas Linux systems have an average hardware refresh period of 6 to 8 years.

It certainly makes some sense because recently I installed the latest Ubuntu 7.10 on a 5 year old machine, which wasn’t capable of running Windows Vista. This means using Linux is not only economical, but eco friendly as well.

Likewise, I think Linux users rarely get an opportunity to purchase packaged software, almost all software available for Linux freely. What about Mac fanboys? I guess they are the ones who buy new Macs once in 12 or 18 months. I’m not sure, if they throw their old machines or keep it with them.

[Via: CNN] [Image Source]

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Discussion

Comments for “Windows Produces 50% more e-waste than Linux”

  • ryan potter
    linux users dont play games. windows users do.

    i have always said software is what drives the demand for hardware forward. without newer prettier more demanding software what need do you have for new hardware. if you never upgraded your software and didnt surf the web your computer would be just as fast as it always was. websites with their content become more demading too. remember what they used to look like before broadband was available. if they made websties like they did back then you wouldn't need broadband or a fast computer to show complex flash presentations. it is all relative
  • If you're a gamer, you're likely a Windows user, because although I wish it was different, most mainstream developers only cater to Windows users.
    Modern games require the latest hardware, (a recent) Windows itself requires the latest hardware.
    Linux doesn't, but I don't think many Linux systems are used for mainstream gaming
    I'm pretty sure gamers are a large group of computer users, so this news doesn't surprise me a whole lot.
    Correct me if I'm wrong.
  • One must realise that windows offers a great deal of convince. And convince comes with extra baggage ...so more load on the machine and hence slower. Besides its easier for a new user to learn Windows than Linux. The user base of Linux is comparatively low and are used by a more knowledgeable user base, so I dont know whether these stats paint a right picture.
  • What a post, This is a nice topic, I don't know why people didn't reply to this post. We should share the serious issues as well rather than just the new product. I agree what you are trying to say. This is really a serious thing. Can't we recycle these things, they should find the way to do that.
  • I am still using a Pentium 3 with Redhat 8 for the past 4 years. It is much faster than my Dual Core windows xp machine. For me, I do not see anything less than another 3 years for the P 3 with Linux.
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